Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

India’s largest city, Delhi, has been one of the country’s commercial and economic hubs for centuries and, as a result, is incredibly rich in culture and history. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful architecture, notable monuments and age-old temples, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Red Fort, Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Other key attractions include the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the cities most popular retail centres today, particularly for jewellery and traditional Indian saris; and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. 

On arrival in Delhi: Having cleared immigration, collected your luggage and passed through customs, please make your way towards the exit of the terminal building where you will see a bank of people waiting for you.  Amongst them will be Trail Blazer Tours Representative who will be waiting to greet you with a paging board with your name on.

You will be transferred to your hotel and assisted with check in. (Standard check in time at hotel is 1400 hrs).

Day 2 In Delhi

The day is scheduled for a heritage walk of Old Delhi in the morning followed by a tour of New Delhi in the afternoon.

Old Delhi Heritage Walk

Delhi is one of very few places where the ancient and modern co-exist side by side complementing each other perfectly. This Heritage walk helps you explore the Delhi’s rich, culture, heritage, history and cuisine in a fun and exciting way. The tour includes exploring the streets of Old  Delhi on foot and on cycle rickshaw. The tour takes you through the narrow lanes and bazaars of Old Delhi where you will get to know about the basic ingredients used in traditional Indian meals.

The tour of New Delhi covers the UNESCO world Heritage sites of Humyauns tomb, Qutab Minar along with a photo stop at India Gate – the war memorial and drive past the Govt. Secretariat building and the President Palace.

 Humayun’s Tomb:

The mausoleum complex of Humayun, India’s second Mughal Emperor, was commissioned by his widow in 1565 and was the first garden tomb to be built in India, taking seven years to complete. Humayun had travelled widely in Persia and Central Asia during his lifetime, and many of the architectural principles he brought back from these journeys were incorporated into the building at his wife’s instructions. With its double domes, decorative inlaid marble and vast garden with pools connected by channels, this 16th Century building set the stage for the style that culminated in the Taj Mahal almost 100 years later.

Qutub Minar

Standing tall at 73-metres, the tower consists of 5 storeys with a flight of spiral stairs leading to its top. The walls are adorned with decorative motifs and Quranic inscriptions. At the foot of the tower lie other monuments of historical significance, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar of Delhi. The Amazing race Australia used this site as a pit stop in the second series. Visitors can take advantage of stunning photo opportunities.

Day 3 Delhi- Agra

Home of the world-famous Taj Mahal, Agra is one of India’s prime tourist destinations for specifically this reason, though its attractions also extend to an array of other impressive historical sights. These include the red-hued Agra Fort, the sacred Jama Masjid mosque and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb, with its white marble facade embellished with intricate inlaid designs and semi-precious gems. The Taj, however, is in a league of its own and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite artisanship and perfect proportions.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will be transferred to railway station to board the train to Agra.

Train Gatimaan Express (daily except on Fridays)

Departs Delhi 0810 Hrs

Arrives Agra 0950 Hrs

Upon arrival at Agra, you will be assisted & transferred and taken directly to Agra Fort for the visit followed by check-in at the hotel. (Standard check in time at the hotel is 1400 Hrs).

Later in the evening, visit Taj Mahal at sunset.

Agra Fort

Known as the Red Fort of Agra, this walled imperial city was founded in 1565 by the Emperor Akbar (1556-1605) and is a well-deserving UNESCO World Heritage site, located just 2.5 kilometres from the famous Taj Mahal. Its palaces, grand mosques and elaborate public hall are crafted from pink-red sandstone and are testament to an era when Indo-Muslim art, strongly marked by influences from Persia, was at its height. Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal for his deceased wife, was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in Agra Fort. He is said to have died in the Musamman Burj, a marble tower he himself built, with one of the most alluring views of the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays)

The iconic Taj Mahal is not only an architectural masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World – it is also the enduring legacy of a royal love story. It was commissioned in the 15th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his third and favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, to serve as her final resting place and a symbol of his eternal affection for her. Combining  Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian design elements, it’s an awe-inspiring structure of elegant domes and white marble, which changes colour along with the light – pink at sunrise, pearly white in the afternoon and silver-gold in the full moon.

Day 4  Agra- Jaipur

Fringed by the rugged Aravali Hills, Jaipur is the capital and largest city in India’s northern state of Rajasthan. This city is famed for being India’s first planned city featuring a multitude of pink terracotta buildings within the walled historic centre, earning it the nickname, ‘The Pink City’. Jaipur falls within the Golden Triangle, a popular tourist circuit, which includes Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, and serves as a gateway to the neighbouring desert cities of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. This colourful city is a combination of tradition and modernity and offers visitors vibrant bazaars, lavish palaces and ancient temples. The salmon-hued old city is home to the opulent City Palace, encompassing an impressive assortment of palatial structures, sprawling gardens, courtyards and buildings. Do not miss the fairy-tale splendour of the Amber Fort, set against the backdrop of the arid landscape.

After breakfast, leave with the private chauffeur driven vehicle Jaipur (approx. 235 kms/ 5-6 hours’ drive) with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri.

Arrive Jaipur in the afternoon and check-in at the hotel.

Fatehpur Sikri

This world heritage site is rated as one of the best-preserved collections of Mughal architecture in India. Surrounded by a six kilometre wall, with the fourth being a lake at the time, a day can be spent exploring the elaborate structures within. Marvel at the impressive Jama Masjid mosque, the detailed palaces built for Emperor Akbar’s wives, the public and private discussion halls and vast ornamental pool; all of which took over 15 years to conceptualise and build.

Day 5 In Jaipur

After breakfast, enjoy Full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur covering Amer Fort, City Palace and the Observatory and a photo stop at Hawa Mahal “Palace of Winds”.  Take a shared Jeep ride to reach Amer Fort.

Amer Fort

Amer Fort, officially known as the ‘Amer Palace’, is one of the most famous forts of Rajasthan attracting around 4000 to 5000 visitors a day during peak tourist season. The palace was named after the small town of Amer, where it is situated – only eleven kilometres from Jaipur. Perfectly picturesque, this 16th century hillside residence is well preserved, boasting grand pavilions and mirrored halls that open onto flourishing gardens and courtyards. Although the palace’s main construction started in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, it was added to over the years by successive rulers and continued to be occupied by them until Jaipur was built.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)

One of Jaipur’s most recognised buildings, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is known for its iconic façade. Small windows, decorated with intricate latticework create a honeycomb-like appearance. The original intention of the lattice was to allow the royal women to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. The cooling effect, provided by the breeze passing through the small windows, gave the palace its name. Built in 1799 by Maharaja SawaiPratap Singh, the unique construction was originally designed to look like the crown of Krishna

Jaipur City Palace

City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture.

Jantar Mantar Jaipur

In 1734, the year of its completion, the Jai Singh Observatory was the last outpost of medieval science. From the outside, the eighteen fixed observational instruments look more like playground apparatus than sighting devices, but they were used to measure the position of the sun, stars and planets. Built by Jai Singh, the first Maharaja of Jaipur who founded the city in 1727, the observatory is one of a handful. Jai Singh, fulfilling a lifelong interest in mathematics and astronomy, built observatories in Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura and Benares. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these.

Day 6 Jaipur- Bikaner

Bikaner boasts many unique architectural features such as the Bikaner Havelis – manifold mansions lining the narrow lanes of old town, signalling a glorious and opulent heyday in Bikaner history – and the beautiful Junagarh Fort, with its tall ochre walls extending for almost a kilometre around the impressive structure.

After breakfast, leave with your private chauffeur driven vehicle to Bikaner. (approx. 335 kms/ 6hours’ drive)

Arrive Bikaner and check in at the hotel

Day 7 In Bikaner

After breakfast do a tour of the city covering Junagarh Fort and Prachina Museum.

Junagarh Fort

The fort is a unique illustration of composite culture. It contains antique monuments and objects of art such as the symbolic hands of Sati, seven historic gates, nine attractive temples, and little shrines of various deities. The fort also features four deep wells, three beautiful gardens, post-medieval stables and barracks, an old jail, and armoury stones on the ground floor.

Prachina Museum

The Prachina Museum is located in the Junagarh Fort complex in Bikaner, India. The museum preserves Bikaner’s rich cultural diversity and showcases the monolithic identity of Bikaner. Some of the collections include royal costumes and textiles, family portraits of the former rulers and the changing cultural milieus from generation to generation. Also displayed are items portraying Western influences, ritualism and religious accessories, as well as the legacy of the patronage, which survives in Bikaner’s contemporary arts and crafts till date.

Day 8 Bikaner- Jaisalmer

Situated amid the vast expanse of the Thar Desert on the far western border of India’s Rajasthan state, the city of Jaisalmer is home to the world’s only inhabited medieval living fort. This 12th-century city served as a bustling trading post along the famous Silk Road and still to this day features markets selling silk, cashmere, silver jewellery, bronze statues and much more. The undeniable star attraction of this city is the spectacular Jaisalmer Fort, which rises from the desert floor like a gigantic sandcastle and encompasses winding streets filled with shops, temples, hotels and ancient mansions. Visitors can also look forward to taking jeep and camel safaris into the surrounding desert and exploring a variety of grand palaces, elaborate Jain temples and ornate havelis.

After breakfast, leave with your private chauffeur driven vehicle to Jaisalmer [Approx. 315 Kms. / 6 hours’ drive]

Arrive Jaisalmer and check in at the hotel.Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 9 In Jaisalmer

After breakfast do a tour of Jaisalmer visiting Jaisalmer Fort and Gadisar Lake. You will have an opportunity to visit the dunes in the evening.

Jaisalmer Fort

The sandstone colour camouflages the fort to match the surrounding yellow sand desert. The fort complex features four large gates, the Laxminath temple of Jaisalmer, seven Jain temples, the Raj Mahal Palace and several mansions adorned with carvings. Visitors can enjoy sumptuous local and intercontinental cuisines at any of the several restaurants within the fort. Excellent photo opportunities are also available.

Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake was constructed in the 14th century by MaharawalGadsi Singh to meet the water needs of his arid lands. Considering its importance, many small temples and shrines were constructed around it, transforming it into a pilgrimage centre and a tourist attraction.

Day 10 Jaisalmer- Jodhpur

Known as the gateway to the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of  Rajasthan, India. It is a popular tourist destination featuring a variety of ornate palaces, age-old forts and sacred temples. Dubbed “The Blue City”, most houses in the old city are painted a beautiful shade of indigo. While Jodhpur is largely a sprawling modern metropolis, enclosed within its old city walls is a labyrinth of winding, narrow medieval streets and bazaars. Jodhpur is home to one of the largest forts in India, the massive 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, which towers over the city from its sandstone plinth. Other must-see attractions include the UmaidBhawan Palace, one of the world’s largest private residences; and the JaswantThada, an intricately carved white marble mausoleum.

After breakfast, leave with your private chauffeur driven vehicle to Jodhpur. (Approx. 295 kms / 6 hours’ drive)

Arrive Jodhpur and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 11 In Jodhpur

After breakfast do the tour of the city covering the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada.

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort rises four hundred feet above the skyline of Jodhpur from its rock precipice on Bhaurcheeria hill. The foundation of Mehrangarh Fort was laid on May 12, 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fifteenth Rathore ruler who wanted to shift the capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur. In all its history, Mehrangarh Fort has never been taken in a siege. Mammoth and imposing from the outside, the interiors of the fort are light and detailed in contrast. Several palaces can be found inside the complex, boasting intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards.

Jaswant Thada

If you are looking for a quiet place in Jodphur head to Jaswant Thada, popularly known as the ‘Taj Mahal of Marwar’. This architectural landmark was built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State, in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh I. Built from intricately carved marble sheets and boasting some beautiful carved marble lattice work, the impeccable design and architecture is symbolic of the fine craftsmanship of a bygone era. Beautiful sculptures, carved gazebos and frescos characterise the cenotaph, with the tiered garden offering superb views across to the fort and over the city.

Day 12 Jodhpur- Udaipur

Dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, the city of Udaipur is built around three interconnected lakes – Lake Pichhola, FatehSagar Lake and the smaller SwaroopSagar Lake – and encircled by the hills of the Aravalli mountain range. It is home to an array of ancient temples and fairy-tale palaces (several of the latter have been converted into luxury heritage hotels) and is known as one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and romantic cities. Must-see attractions include the City Palace, the Lake Palace (set on a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola) and the Udaipur Solar Observatory – Asia’s premier solar-gazing site.

After breakfast, leave with your private chauffeur driven vehicle to Udaipur (approx 295 Kms/ 6-7hours drive)with a stop at the magnificent 15^th century Jain temples at Ranakpur.

Arrive Udaipur and check in at the hotel.

Ranakpur

The small town of Ranakpur is home to what is arguably the most spectacular of all India’s Jain temples. The complex rests on a lush mountain slope and encompasses a series of temples dating to the 15th century, all constructed from white marble and featuring exquisite decorative detail. The main temple, Chamukha, is a multi-tiered structure with no less than 80 domes and over 1400 pillars, all of which are intricately carved with unique designs – no two are alike. As the light changes during the day, so does the colour of the temple interior, shifting from golden to cream and then pale blue at dusk. 

Note: Leather items like Belts, purses or wallets etc. are not allowed inside Ranakpur Temple complex. Also local guides are not available in the temple, Only Audio guide will be provided.

Day 13 In Udaipur

After breakfast, do a tour city tour of Udaipur covering City Palace, Jagdish temple and Saheliyonki Bari and later in the evening enjoy shared boat ride at Lake Pichola. (Subject to Water Level)

Udaipur City Palace

Situated above Lake Pichola, Udaipur City Palace has housed many royals over four centuries who have each added their own unique preferences to the establishment. The palace is a one of a kind in Rajasthan. Constructed entirely out of marble and granite which makes it highly luxurious. The inside is even more so with its inlays of coloured glass, engravings, towers, and balconies.

Jagdish Temple

Completed in 1651, Jagdish Temple is situated just outside the royal palace. The temple can be seen as soon as visitors enter the city. Puja’s and prayer time are the best time to visit when melodious chants from devotees float through the small interior. Visitors should make a point of climbing the temple’s many steps which invite them on a journey of discovery of the rich and vibrant history of Udaipur.

Saheliyonki Bari

Built by MaharanaSangram Singh II as a garden for women, Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the Garden of the Maidens is a popular tourist destination. Along with a small museum, it has several attractions such as marble elephants, fountains, kiosks and a lotus pool.

Boat ride at Lake Pichola

Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Rajasthan. Located in the heart of Udaipur, Pichola is the oldest and one of the largest lakes in all of Udaipur. In 1362 AD Pichola Lake was built by Banjara. Later, MaharanaUdaiSingh, affected by the charm of this lake and extended the lake when he founded the city of Udaipur and also built a dam made of stone that is in the Badipol region on the shore of the lake. Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and elevated hills on all its sides.

Day 14 Udaipur- Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel.

Later at an appropriate time, you will be transferred to Udaipur airport to board your flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met by a Trail Blazer Tours Representative and transferred to the hotel for check in.

Day 15 Delhi Departure

At an appropriate time, a Trail Blazer Tours Representative will assist and provide you the necessary transfer to the international airport to board your flight back home.